Natural attractions of central Istria

It would be a shame to miss the natural beauty of the region, unique to our peninsula. You won’t regret visiting them.

The Pazin Cave is a sight to remember, and there are plenty of opportunities to admire its size that especially attract those looking for an adrenalin rush. You can explore the cave by going on the educational walking trail running through its canyon, or you can choose a guided speleology tour through its underworld or an unforgettable zip line ride. Its majestic beauty is best appreciated in front of the castle, from the Vršić bridge, or from the Lovac Motel viewpoint offering the best view. Flowing through the cave is the Pazinčica River – the designer of the Pazinski krov and Zarečki krov waterfalls as another example of the unique karst terrain typical of the Istrian peninsula. There are many ways to experience these sights, but the most important thing is to keep in mind that these are nature protection areas!

The Tinjan Valley forms a part of the Lim Valley, the longest valley of its kind in Croatia. It can be traced from the Tinjan viewpoint, or explored along the hiking or biking trails.

The Pićan – Gračišće significant landscape is located between two fortified medieval towns and stands out for its varied terrain. Follow the hiking trails to discover this hilly region and you will come across the remains of numerous small churches and the magnificent waterfall of Sopot.

The Vela draga canyon at the foot of Učka is a unique example of geomorphological activity that you can learn more about on the educational walking trail running straight through the canyon! The large pointy towers are a trademark of Vela draga, and for some a favourite free climbing spot!

Učka Nature Park offers a number of hiking trails of different levels of difficulty depending on the climber's skill level. Učka is a great option for families looking to spend a day in nature. The most persistent climbers will be rewarded with a spectacular view from the Vojak summit! And if you are really into mountain climbing, make sure you don’t miss the peaks of Ćićarija, the neighbouring hilly plateau.

Cultural attractions of central Istria

Get to know the culture of the region and the impressive heritage that we have preserved for ages in our towns, museums and forts.

The castles and forts of central Istria have once served an important defensive function, and today, they have been converted into educational museums, viewpoints and winery estates that you can visit. The oldest and best preserved is the castle in Pazin, the home of the Ethnographic Museum of Istria and the Pazin Town Museum whose exhibits will help visitors get to know the culture and way of life in Istria as it used to be and as it is today.

The once glorious castles and forts now serve as excellent viewpoints from which you can admire the nature that surrounds them. You can get the best views from the castle in Boljun and two castles in the area of Cerovlje: Possert and Paz. Round off your visit with a trip to the nearby Belaj Castle, a Baroque castle with a winery.

Hilltop towns are a staple of central Istria, and although you can find them everywhere, each of them tells its own story. Make sure to go on a walk through Draguć and Grimalda, and explore Gračišće and Pićan.

The fortified museum town of Sveti Lovreč near Tinjan will amaze you with its preserved medieval town loggia, tower and cobblestone square housing the Basilica of St Martin decorated with preserved frescoes.

In Istria, there is a wealth of wall paintings done by various artists who have throughout the years painted and decorated many church walls with liturgical motifs and allegorical scenes. The most famous fresco in Istria, the 1474 “Dance of Death”, can be seen in person in the Church of St Mary of the Rocks near the town of Beram, provided that you announce your visit in advance.

Nearest beaches

The hills of Istria are truly magical, but are you looking to spend a day on the beach? No worries, the quickest way to reach the coast is to drive to Poreč where you can take a dip at one of the many town beaches, or you can head to the villages of Červar and Funtana with their well-maintained beaches and bays.

If you wish to visit some other beaches in Istria, here are a few recommendations:

• Gortan Cove Beach, Pula
• Cuvi Beach, Rovinj
• Cape Kamenjak Beach, Medulin
• Girandella Beach, Rabac
• Lone Cove Beach, Rovinj.

The impressive west side of the Istrian peninsula is known for its intendedness and unique appearance. Discover all of its hidden bays, cliffs and islets on a one-day boat trip. We can organise a manned or unmanned boat rental. Boat rental can be arranged with the campsite front desk staff.

Do you need information about some other places that aren’t mentioned here? Contact us at sales@istrian-village-banki.hr and we will get back to you as soon as possible.